Oklahoma has set execution dates nine times for death row inmate Richard Glossip, who has been married twice while awaiting execution. Despite the Supreme Court rejecting his challenge to Oklahoma's lethal injection process nine years ago, Glossip's case has taken an unexpected turn. Oklahoma's Republican attorney general has joined Glossip in seeking to overturn his murder conviction and death sentence in a 1997 murder-for-hire scheme, leading to the Supreme Court hearing arguments on the case.
The review of Glossip's case by the Supreme Court comes at a time when there has been a decline in the use of the death penalty and new death sentences. However, the court's conservative majority has generally been less receptive to efforts to halt executions. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has acknowledged serious mistakes in Glossip's case, calling for a new trial despite not believing in Glossip's innocence.
Glossip has consistently maintained his innocence in the murder of his former boss, motel owner Barry Van Treese. Another man, Justin Sneed, admitted to the killing but testified against Glossip in exchange for a life sentence. Drummond raised concerns about Sneed's credibility and missing evidence that could have proven Glossip's innocence.
Despite doubts about the trial, an Oklahoma appeals court upheld Glossip's conviction, and the state's pardon and parole board deadlocked on granting him clemency. High-powered lawyers, including former solicitors general, are arguing for a new trial for Glossip at the Supreme Court.
The case has seen support from current and former prosecutors troubled by law enforcement actions in the case. Glossip's legal journey has been marked by numerous twists, including a near-execution in 2015 that led to a moratorium on executions in Oklahoma. The Van Treese family, the victim's relatives, want Glossip's conviction upheld after waiting for justice for over 10,000 days.
Former Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater remains convinced of Glossip's guilt, while a decision on the case is expected by early summer.
